New Mexico Voter Information

Here are a few facts that may surprise you as you anticipate voting in this year's election.

1) If you haven't voted in the last two general elections, or any of the smaller elections in the last four years, your name most likely has been removed from the voter rolls and you need to register again.

2) If you have moved, you need to register again. To get a voter registration form, contact your County Clerk or any well-run campaign office.

3) If you are chomping at the bit to vote, you don't have to wait as long as you may think. Registered voters can cast their vote beginning on Oct. 16 at the County Clerk's office. You can vote using an absentee ballot at your County Clerk's office even if you have not applied for an absentee ballot. Their hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

4) Requests for absentee ballots are available online at www.sos.state.nm.us/Election/03Special/ABinfo.htm.

Big Dates

Oct. 5: The last day to register. Registrations must be in the County Clerk's office by 5 p.m. This is also the first day that absentee ballots are mailed to voters.

Oct. 16: Early voting begins. No statewide list of locations exists. If you call your County Clerk, they will be able to tell you the locations, including your County Clerk's office. Early voting happens on the following days (call the Bernalillo County Clerk at 768-4189 to confirm): Tuesday through Friday: noon to 8 p.m. Sat:urday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Oct. 28: Last day to request an absentee ballot.

Oct. 30: Last day for early voting.

Nov. 2: It's Election Day! Well, today is Election Day, the last of 23 days to cast a ballot. Absentee ballots must be in the County Clerk's office in their official mailing envelopes by 7 p.m.